Jackie Zimmerman, AnCan’s resident graphics guru/web designer and a Member of our Advisory Board, is a long time patient advocate for multiple conditions. She’s seen seen a lot in her 15 years ….. that just bests me by a year or so!
Now Jackie has written a very perceptive and insightful Blog Post on her website that is definitely worth a read if you consider yourself a Patient Advocate … and frankly even if you don’t!
I saw a Twitter thread recently from a friend and fellow advocate who was wondering what his future in patient advocacy looked like. I’ve seen these types of threads a lot over the years and I understand…I’ve been there. Maybe it’s the new set of Lion King socks I recently purchased, but I’ve been sharing this idea of the patient advocate circle of life a lot lately and now it’s time to share it with all of my advocate friends. Whether you’re new to advocacy, or you’ve been around the block a few times, take a peep. Let me know what you think.
On March 3rd, we had the esteemed Dr. Darryl Leong (Cardiologist and Director of the McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Cardio-Oncology Program) at our Active Surveillance Virtual Support Group.
Dr. Leong, explained to men on active surveillance that his work on men on AS makes sense because many of these men are at greater risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases—such as heart attacks and strokes—than they are to die from prostate cancer. He said there is strong evidence for the benefits of exercise to reduce CVD risk. He said the research on a diet is not as strong because there are few randomized studies. However, there is recent research from MD Anderson that the Mediterranean diet may have some benefits for men on AS. Long warned that many cardiologists are now questioning the long-accepted practice of taking one baby aspirin a day. He also answered questions about cardiovascular disease issues in men with advanced prostate cancer who are taking hormonal therapy.
We want to thank Dr. Leong for answering so many questions!
To view the slides from this presentation, click here.
For information on our peer-led video chat ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROSTATE CANCER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, click here.
To SIGN UP for the Group or any other of our AnCan Virtual Support groups, visit our Contact Us page.
On February 3rd, we had the most pleasure of hosting Lindsey Byrne, MS, CGC (Licensed Genetic Counselor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center) at our Active Surveillance Virtual Support Group. She is one of the few genetic counselors in the United States specializing in prostate cancer. Genetic counseling and testing are not only important for men with prostate cancer but to their children, siblings and potentially other family members. The information presented can benefit anyone in the Prostate Cancer arena, not just AS!
We here at AnCan want to sincerely thank Lindsey for providing this amazing resource to our community.
Watch here:
To view the slides from this presentation, click here.
For information on our peer-led video chat ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROSTATE CANCER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, click here.
To SIGN UP for the Group or any other of our AnCan Virtual Support groups, visit our Contact Us page.
Aloha, friends! We have some wonderful thoughts once again from our Board Chair, moderator, and most important, our dear friend Peter Kafka. I found myself nodding to myself many times while reading this, and I’m sure you will too. Thank you Peter, for voicing what our thoughts so beautifully!
As I sit down to write this reminder notice about our gathering on Monday my thoughts are a little muddied. I have been thinking about this responsibility for several days but my body has kind of been feeling “junk”. As a result, the bright, cheery and creative thoughts have been buried in the pickle barrel of my mind and the surface seems clouded with a scummy brine. What to do?
Anyone living with cancer, and particularly those of us under some form of ongoing treatment go through cycles of feeling out of sorts. Nothing you can point to in a symptomatic sense that is the source of the malaise, just a general feeling of “BLAH”. Enough so that it can color the day gray.
In cycles such as this, whether short or long I have learned to show up as best I can. I don’t want to drag others around me into the clouds. I don’t need sympathy, or well-intentioned inquiries as to; “what’s wrong”? Nothing is wrong in my best guess. It is just part of the rhythm of this cancer dance and I am pretty used to it after all these years.
I am very aware that there are many who are battling with much more challenging circumstances at this moment. Whether it be those on our calls who have been very candid about their own prognosis or progression of prostate cancer, or the many thousands around the world who are fighting for their lives at home or in hospitals against the ravages of the Covid-19 virus. By now, after a year into this worldwide pandemic there are not many of us who don’t have some degree of connection to others who are or have suffered with this virus.
We are fortunate that we have such a strong body of peer support for our journey with prostate cancer. We can be there for each other and lift up the spirits of those who might be scared or challenged. We have all been there.
So, it is with these thoughts that I would invite you to join our ongoing conversations and discussions about our challenges with a diagnosis of prostate cancer as we support each other. Our general focus is on the bright side, the positive and encouraging medical advances and knowledge about our disease as well as our individual victories and successes. But we are certainly attuned to the darker side of this disease and very much aware of the threat.
We at AnCan through our Virtual online/telephone weekly support meetings and advocacy, work hard as peers to provide whatever support and backup as we can in your journey with prostate cancer. But we don’t claim to have all the answers. We encourage you to share your experiences. We learn from each other. Keep connected, information is power! We are always there for you but you are “Your Own Best Advocate!”
At AnCan, we LOVE friends! And helping you get resources you need to empower you to “Be Your Own Best Advocate!” Here are some great, informative, and FREE resources from our partner CancerCare. Be sure and check them out!
